Aircraft proactive air and surface purification component

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides methods and systems for an ionization device that includes a base portion, a first pair and a second pair of opposed sidewalls extending upwardly from the base portion to form an upper edge, a top portion is engaged to the upper edge, and a cavity is formed within the base portion, the two pairs of opposed sidewalls, and the top portion. A probe assembly is disposed on the top portion, wherein the probe assembly comprises a probe seat selectively secured to an exterior portion of the top portion and a wire extends through the probe seat for supplying electrical current to an emission portion that emits ions.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to an ionization device and moregenerally relates to an aircraft proactive air and surface purificationcomponent.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Air and other fluids are commonly treated and delivered for a variety ofapplications. For example, in heating, ventilation and air-conditioning(HVAC) applications, air may be heated, cooled, humidified,dehumidified, filtered or otherwise treated for delivery intoresidential, commercial or other spaces.

Needs exist for improved systems and methods of treating and deliveringair for aircraft. It is to the provision of improved systems and methodsmeeting these needs that the present invention is primarily directed.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an embodiment of the present invention, an ionizationdevice that includes a base portion, a first pair and a second pair ofopposed sidewalls extending upwardly from the base portion to form anupper edge, a top portion is engaged to the upper edge, and a cavity isformed within the base portion, the two pairs of opposed sidewalls, andthe top portion. A probe assembly is disposed on the top portion,wherein the probe assembly comprises a probe seat selectively secured toan exterior portion of the top portion and a wire extends through theprobe seat for supplying electrical current to an emission portion thatemits ions.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the ionizationdevice includes a probe sleeve that extends upwardly from the probe seatand an emission portion extends from an end of the probe sleeve.

According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, theionization device includes an ion generator disposed within the cavity.

According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, theionization device includes a probe seat selectively secured to the topportion by a fastening device.

According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, theionization device includes a top portion that extends over the upperedge of the first pair of sidewalls and forming a lip having at leastone bore.

According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, theionization device includes a probe assembly that comprises a probesleeve extending generally upward from the probe seat first end and asecond end, the diameter of the first end is larger than the diameter ofthe second end.

According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, theionization device includes a probe seat that is generally square and hasfour corners, wherein a bore is positioned adjacent each corner forreceiving a correspondingly fastening device.

According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, theionization device includes a probe seat that contains two centrallylocated bores for receiving a correspondingly fastening device.

According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, theionization device includes a base portion, a first pair and a secondpair of opposed sidewalls extending upwardly from the base portion toform an upper edge, a top portion is engaged to the upper edge, and acavity is formed within the base portion, the two pairs of opposedsidewalls, and the top portion. A probe assembly is disposed on the topportion, wherein the probe assembly comprises a probe seat selectivelysecured to an exterior portion of the top portion and probe sleeveextends upwardly from the probe seat. A wire extends through the probeseat and probe sleeve for supplying electrical current to an emissionportion that emits ions disposed on an end of the probe sleeve.

According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, theionization device includes a military grade electrical connectordisposed within a sidewall for receiving a power supply and providingpower to the device.

According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, theionization device includes a circuit board positioned within the cavity.

According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, theionization device includes an ion generator positioned within the cavityand a circuit board positioned within the cavity for controlling the iongenerator.

According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, theionization device includes a light emitting diode.

According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, theionization device includes an emission portion that includes anelectrode for emitting ions.

According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, theionization device includes a brush with a plurality of conductivebristles for emitting ions.

According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, theionization device includes a base portion, a first pair and a secondpair of opposed sidewalls extending upwardly from the base portion toform an upper edge, a top portion is engaged to the upper edge, and acavity is formed within the base portion, the two pairs of opposedsidewalls, and the top portion. An ion generator is disposed within thecavity, and a probe assembly is disposed on the top portion. The probeassembly comprises a probe seat selectively secured to an exteriorportion of the top portion and a wire extends through the probe seat forsupplying electrical currently to an emission portion that emits ions.

According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, theionization device that operates at 28 volts.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is illustrated and described herein with referenceto the various drawings, in which like reference numbers denote likemethod steps and/or system components, respectively, and in which:

FIG. 1 is perspective view of one embodiment of the ionization device;

FIG. 2 is another embodiment of the ionization device;

FIG. 3 is a top view of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a left side view of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a right side view of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a front side view of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a back side view of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a view of the cavity of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a side cut-away view of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the probes of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a side view of the ionization device engaged to a conduit;and

FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing the rotation of the probe seat.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention may be understood more readily by reference to thefollowing detailed description of the invention taken in connection withthe accompanying drawing figures, which form a part of this disclosure.It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to thespecific devices, methods, conditions or parameters described and/orshown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose ofdescribing particular embodiments by way of example only and is notintended to be limiting of the claimed invention. Any and all patentsand other publications identified in this specification are incorporatedby reference as though fully set forth herein.

Also, as used in the specification including the appended claims, thesingular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural, and reference toa particular numerical value includes at least that particular value,unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressedherein as from “about” or “approximately” one particular value and/or to“about” or “approximately” another particular value. When such a rangeis expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular valueand/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values areexpressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it willbe understood that the particular value forms another embodiment.

Referring now specifically to the drawings, an aircraft proactive airand surface purification component, hereinafter referred to anionization device, is illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 and are showngenerally at reference numeral 10. The device 10 contains a base portion12. The base portion 12 includes a base 14 that extends to an outer edgewith a first pair of opposed sidewalls 15 and a second pair of opposedsidewalls 16 extending upwardly therefrom to an upper edge 17. A topportion 18 is engaged to the upper edge 17 on the two pairs of opposedsidewalls 15, 16 of the base portion 12. A cavity 20, as shown in FIGS.10 and 11, is formed within the base portion 12 and within the base 14,two pairs of opposed sidewalls 15,16, and top portion 18. The first pairof sidewalls 15 interconnects the second pair of sidewalls 16 to definecorners 21.

The device 10 includes a front side portion, a back side portion, a leftside portion, and a right side portion. The top portion 18 extends fromthe front side portion to the back side portion and has an exteriorportion and interior portion. While the top portion 18 and sidewalls 15,16 on the left side portion and right side portion are relatively flush,the top portion 18 on the front side portion and back side portionextend away from the sidewalls 15, 16, forming a lip 22 on the frontside portion and back side portion of the device 10. The lip 22 containsat least one bore 24, and as illustrated two bores 26, on either side ofthe lip and extending from the top surface of the top portion 18 to thebottom surface of the top portion 18.

A probe assembly 26, as shown in FIG. 11 is engaged to the top portion18. The probe assembly 26 consists of a probe seat 28 with at least oneprobe sleeve 32 extending upwardly from the probe seat 28 and a proberetention device 29. As illustrated in FIGS. 5, 6, 7, 8, 11, and 14, twoprobe sleeves 32 extend upwardly from the probe seat 28. As shown inFIG. 11, the probe sleeve 32 has a first end and a second end, whereinthe first end of the probe sleeve 32 is engaged to the probe seat 28 andthe second end extends upwardly. The first end of the probe sleeve 32has a greater diameter than the second end. At a height on the probesleeve 32, the diameter changes, thus forming a circular shelf 30 on theprobe sleeve 32. The probe sleeve 32 has a generally hollow interiorwith an opening in the first end. As shown in FIG. 9, a hole 34 extendsfrom the cavity 20 to the top surface of the top portion 18. Acorresponding hole 36, also shown in FIG. 9, extends through the probeseat 28 through which the probe retention device 29 is inserted andreceived. The probe retention device 29 is generally L-shaped having avertically extending hollow tube with a first end and a second end. Aplate extends horizontally from the hollow tube in close proximity tothe second end. The first end extends through the hole 36 and isreceived within the opening of the first end of the probe sleeve 32 asillustrated in FIG. 11. The end of the plate opposite the hollow tubecontains a bore for receiving a fastening device 48, as shown in FIG. 3.

A high voltage wire extends from the cavity 20 and through the hole 34in the top portion 18 and through a hole 36 in the probe seat 28. Thehigh voltage wire extends through the hollow interior of the probesleeve 32, exiting through the second end of the probe sleeve 32. Asillustrated, a first high voltage wire 62 extends through the hollowinterior of the probe sleeve 32, exiting through the second end of theprobe sleeve 32 of a first probe assembly 26, as shown in FIG. 11. Asecond high voltage wire 64 extends through the hollow interior of theprobe sleeve 32, exiting through the second end of the probe sleeve 32of a first probe assembly 26. The end of the first high voltage wire 62and second high voltage wire 64 contains an emission portion that isable to emit electrons. The emission portion may be an electrode 65 thatallows ions to be emitted, as shown in FIG. 2. Alternatively, theemission portion may be a brush 66, as shown in FIGS. 2-14, that is ableto emit ions and described more fully below.

In one embodiment and as shown in FIG. 1, the end of the first andsecond high voltage wire (62, 64) contains an emission portion that is abrush 66 containing a plurality of bristles 68 that extend outwardlyaway from the brush 66. The brush 66 and its bristles 68 may be made ofany material that conducts electricity. In one embodiment, the bristles68 of the brush 66 carbon fiber brushes to conduct electricity. Forexample, the bristles 68 of the brush 66 may be composed ofpolypropylene or polyethylene and impregnated with carbon. Generally,the bristles 68 of the brush 66 may contain between about 20 to about 80wt % polypropylene copolymer or polyethylene copolymer, between about 5to about 40 wt % talc, and from about 5 to 40 wt % carbon black.However, any other resistive, inductive, reactive or conductive plasticor non-metallic material may be utilized for the bristles 68 of thebrush 66.

The probe seat 28 has a bottom portion and a top portion. The bottomportion of the probe seat 28 is engaged to the exterior portion of thetop portion 18. The probe seat 28 is engaged to the top portion 18 by afastening device 44. As illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 14, the fasteningdevice is a screw. The probe seat 28 is generally square and hasthreaded bores 42 adjacent the outer edges near the corners 23 that sitovertop correspondingly threaded bores 39. The bores 42 are designed toreceive a correspondingly fastening device 44 for selectively securingthe probe seat 28 to the top portion 18. The probe seat 28 isselectively secured to the top portion 18 with a nut plate 70 and rivit71. As illustrated in FIG. 9, the device 10 includes four nut plates 70positioned on the interior portion of the top portion 18 and eachutilizing a rivet 71 for selectively securing the top portion 18 to theprobe seat 28.

The probe seat 28 is able to be rotated with respect to the top portion18, as illustrated in FIG. 14. In other words, the probe seat 28 is ableto be turned clock-wise or counterclockwise 90° with respect to the topportion 18 with the top portion 18 staying stationary. The purpose ofrotating the top portion 18 is to change the position of the brushes 66extending from the second end of the probe sleeve 32, depending upon thearrangement of the device 10 in a conduit for maximizing the ion outputinto the air stream, while preventing the ions from recombining withinthe air stream. The fastening devices 44 may be removed, allowing theprobe seat 28 to be rotated with respect to the stationary position ofthe top portion 18. As illustrated, the fastening devices 44 are a nutplate and washer combination. Alternatively, the fastening device 44 maybe a screw or the like. The fastening devices 44 are reinserted into thebores 42 of the probe seat 28 for again selectively securing the probeseat 28 to the top portion 18.

The probe seat 28 contains centrally located bores 46 adjacent the probesleeve 32. These bores 46 are positioned adjacent the probe sleeve 32and above the bore of the plate of the probe retention device 29. Thebore 46 is designed to receive a fastening device 48. As illustrated inFIG. 9, the fastening device 48 is a nut and washer assembly. Thefastening device 48 retains the probe assembly 26 within the probe seat28. The fastening device 48 may be removed for allowing the removal ofthe probe assembly 26 from the probe seat 28, facilitating replacement.

The cavity 20 of the ionization device 10 contains an ion generator 72and circuit board 74. A suitable ion generator 72 may be obtained byGlobal Plasma Solutions, Inc. of Savannah Ga. The circuit board 74controls the ion generator 72. The top portion is selectively secured tothe upper edge 17 of the two pairs of opposed sidewalls 15, 16. The topportion 18 is generally rectangular or square. In one embodiment, thetop portion 18 contains a threaded bore 38 and as illustrated fourthreaded bores 38 adjacent the corners of the top portion 18. Within thecorners that join the two opposed sidewalls 15, 16 an adjacent threadedbore 39 is positioned directly under the threaded bore 38 of the topportion 18. A correspondingly threaded fastening device 40 is receivedwithin the threaded bores 18 and 39, selectively securing the topportion 18 to the upper portion of the two pairs of opposed sidewalls15, 16. To access the cavity 20, the top portion 18 may be removed toallow such access. The circuit board 74 is retained within the cavity 20and retained on the base 14 by a fastening device 80. As illustrated inFIG. 4, four bores are positioned in the base 14 that extends from theexterior side to the interior side of the base 14 and receives thefastening device 80. The circuit board 74 contains a receptacle forreceiving the fastening device 80 and selectively securing the circuitboard 74 within the cavity 20 and specifically on the base 14. Asillustrated in FIG. 5, one sidewall of the first pairs of sidewalls 15contains a bore positioned within the sidewall 15 for receiving afastening device 82. The ion generator 72 contains a receptacle forreceiving the fastening device 82 for selectively securing the iongenerator 72 within the cavity 20 and specifically to the sidewall 15.

A power connector 50 is positioned on the device 10, and as illustratedwithin the front side portion of the ionization device 10. The powerconnector 50 receives the electricity to power the device 10 and thedevice 10 operates at 28 VDC. Preferably, the power connector 50 is amilitary grade power connector 50 and is engaged to a power supply fromthe aircraft. A light emitting diode (LED) 54 is positioned on thedevice 10, and as illustrated within the front side portion. The LED 54is electrically coupled to the circuit board 74 for indicating power isreceived to the device 10. A fuse and fuse holder 52 are also positionedon or within the device 10. As illustrated, the fuse and fuse holder 52are within the front side portion. As illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, aplurality of wires are engaged to the power connector 50 that extend tothe circuit board 74 for supplying power to the circuit board 74. Aplurality of wires extend from the circuit board 74 to the ion generator72. The first high voltage wire 62 and second high voltage 64 wireextend from the ion generator 72.

The ionization device 10 is positioned and secured in place within aconduit 76, such as a conditioned air duct. Preferably, the ionizationdevice 10 is strapped (with clamps) to the existing environmentalcontrol system (ECS), air ducts, and tubes of an airplane, helicopter,or the like. As illustrated in FIG. 13, the probe assembly 26 ispositioned within the conduit 76. Preferably, the brushes 66 are alignedgenerally perpendicularly to the direction of the airflow 78 across theprobe assembly 26 and brushes 66. Ions are emitted from the tips of thebrushes and into the airflow 78. The ions emitted can be negative fromone brush 66 or electrode 65 and positive from another brush 66 orelectrode 65. Alternatively, the ions may be all positive or allnegative. As illustrated in FIG. 13, one probe sleeve 32 may have adifferent length than the other probe sleeve 32. The differing lengthsof the probe sleeves 32 results in the brushes 66 or electrodes 65 setat different heights within the conduit 76, thus allowing ions to beemitted at different levels within the airflow 78. To achieve themaximum and most advantageous ion emission, the probe seat 28 may berotated as desired by the user.

The treatment of air by delivery of ionization to an airflow within aconduit 76 according to the systems and methods of the present inventionmay be utilized for various purposes. For example, application ofionization to an airflow within an conduit such as a duct may beutilized to abate allergens, pathogens, odors, gases, volatile organiccompounds, bacteria, virus, mold, dander, fungus, dust mites, animal andsmoke odors, and/or static electricity in a treated air space to whichthe airflow is directed. Ionization of air in living and working spacesmay reduce aircraft acquired illness and improve interior air quality;and additionally, can reduce the quantity of outside air needed to bemixed with the treated indoor air, reducing operational costs byenabling a greater degree of air recirculation.

Although the present invention has been illustrated and described hereinwith reference to preferred embodiments and specific examples thereof,it will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art thatother embodiments and examples may perform similar functions and/orachieve like results. All such equivalent embodiments and examples arewithin the spirit and scope of the present invention and are intended tobe covered by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An ionization device comprising: a base portion; a first pair and a second pair of opposed sidewalls extending upwardly from the base portion to form an upper edge; a top portion is engaged to the upper edge; a cavity is formed within the base portion, the two pairs of opposed sidewalls, and the top portion; and a probe assembly disposed on the top portion, wherein the probe assembly comprises a probe seat selectively secured to an exterior portion of the top portion and a wire extends through the probe seat for supplying electrical currently to an emission portion that emits ions.
 2. The ionization device according to claim 1, wherein a probe sleeve extends upwardly from the probe seat and the emission portion extends from an end of the probe sleeve.
 3. The ionization device according to claim 1, further comprising an ion generator disposed within the cavity.
 4. The ionization device according to claim 1, wherein the probe seat is selectively secured to the top portion by a fastening device.
 5. The ionization device according to claim 1, wherein the top portion extends over the upper edge of the first pair of sidewalls and forming a lip having at least one bore.
 6. The ionization device according to claim 1, wherein the top portion is selectively secured to the first and second pair of opposed sidewalls allowing access to the cavity.
 7. The ionization device according to claim 1, wherein the probe assembly comprises a probe sleeve that extends generally upward from the probe seat with a first end and a second end, the diameter of the first end is larger than the diameter of the second end.
 8. The ionization device according to claim 1, wherein the probe seat is generally square and having four corners, wherein a bore is positioned adjacent each corner for receiving a correspondingly threaded fastening device.
 9. The ionization device according to claim 1, wherein the probe seat contains two centrally located bores for receiving a corresponding fastening device.
 10. An ionization device for use in a conduit of an aircraft, comprising: a base portion; a first pair and a second pair of opposed sidewalls extending upwardly from the base portion to form an upper edge; a top portion is engaged to the upper edge; a cavity is formed within the base portion, the two pairs of opposed sidewalls, and the top portion; and a probe assembly disposed on the top portion, wherein the probe assembly comprises a probe seat selectively secured to an exterior portion of the top portion and probe sleeve extends upwardly from the probe seat, a wire extends through the probe seat and probe sleeve for supplying electrical current to an emission portion that emits ions disposed on an end of the probe sleeve.
 11. The ionization device according to claim 10, further comprising a military grade electrical connector disposed within a sidewall for receiving a power supply and providing power to the device.
 12. The ionization device according to claim 10, further comprising a circuit board positioned within the cavity.
 13. The ionization device according to claim 10, further comprising an ion generator positioned within the cavity and a circuit board positioned within the cavity for controlling the ion generator.
 14. The ionization device according to claim 10, further comprising a light emitting diode.
 15. The ionization device according to claim 10, wherein the emission portion comprises an electrode for emitting ions.
 16. The ionization device according to claim 10, wherein the emission portion comprises a brush with a plurality of conductive bristles for emitting ions.
 17. An ionization device for use on aircraft comprising: a base portion; a first pair and a second pair of opposed sidewalls extending upwardly from the base portion to form an upper edge; a top portion is engaged to the upper edge; a cavity is formed within the base portion, the two pairs of opposed sidewalls, and the top portion; an ion generator disposed within the cavity; and a probe assembly disposed on the top portion, wherein the probe assembly comprises a probe seat selectively secured to an exterior portion of the top portion and a wire extends through the probe seat for supplying electrical currently to an emission portion that emits ions.
 18. The ionization device according to claim 17, wherein a probe sleeve extends upwardly from the probe seat and the emission portion extends from an end of the probe sleeve.
 19. The ionization device according to claim 17, wherein the device operates at 28 VDC.
 20. The ionization device according to claim 17, wherein the top portion extends over the upper edge of the first pair of sidewalls and forming a lip having at least one bore. 